4 Hidden Health Hazards Threatening Your Home and Family

Homes are a sanctuary from the outside world where you can always feel safe. Most of the time, this is true. However, you want to make sure you keep it that way, especially for your children. As much as you might not want to think about it, there are intruders to be aware of. Oftentimes, they are already with you but are hidden from view. These are four possible hazardous intruders in your home and what you can do to eradicate them.

Mold

Mold might be growing in areas of your home you might never discover unless you do a little bit of inspection. Furthermore, when it dries, mold tends to break apart and become airborne.

Window sills are often subjected to dampness from precipitation, and they only get good airflow during the summer if the windows are open. Make sure to wipe off any moisture as often as possible and to clean the window tracks.

Air & Allergy old, peeling wallpaper likely has mold that has started underneath where you can’t see it. If you wish to have wallpaper on your walls, first apply treatment with a mold-resistant primer, and avoid using wallpaper in basements or bathrooms, which tend to be damp.

If you have any kind of water leakages in your ceiling, mold could be developing in your attic. You want to check your attic periodically for mold, and make sure that you have proper air vents. Have any leaks repaired immediately.

Water from cement floors or wet crawl areas can quickly travel to your carpet pad and, at some point, your carpet. Make sure to vacuum your carpet at least once a week, and have it professionally cleaned periodically.

Dust Mites

A study from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom found that there are typically as many as 110 mites per gram of mattress dust. The use of hypoallergenic pillows and bed covers will help solve this hazard. Also, depending on air humidity, allergen and dust mite collections may vary. Make sure your room is dry, and use a dehumidifier if needed.

Airborne Chemicals

Nowadays it is common sense to install safety latches on cabinets to keep children from ingesting dangerous cleaning products. However, when these products are used, the airborne particles merge with dust particles and settle on floors and other surfaces, which is especially dangerous for babies and small children who play on the floor.

ASEA explains that toxins and the air we breathe can negatively affect our health, even on the cellular level. Many research studies have reported that a vast range of chemicals used daily makes the indoors a haven for dangerous chemicals linked to cancers and other health hazards. To solve this problem, experts advise switching out poisonous cleaning items with safer, more ecologically friendly choices.

Antibacterial Soaps

It’s easy to think that antibacterial soaps and cleansers successfully prevent the spread of germs; however, there is no scientific evidence favoring these cleansers over any others. In fact, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlawed sales of antiseptic products containing triclosan and another damaging antimicrobial, triclocarban.

Even so, the FDA’s restriction doesn’t include hand sanitizers or wipes, and triclosan is still an approved ingredient in some toothpaste. Check your personal care products for phthalates; these chemicals are frequently used in shampoos, hair sprays, aftershaves, and nail polishes. They are connected to reproductive problems.

While these hazards do exist in your home, there is no need to live in panic. If you take some precautions and opt for eco-friendly products, you and your family will live a safe and healthy life.